The Origin and History of the Name Dato Sagor

In the book written by Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib titled Pasir Salak Sehamparan Sejarah Perjuangan, it is stated from a historical perspective regarding the title of Orang Kaya-Kaya Seri Agar Diraja, or as it is better known to our community today, Dato Sagor.

For your information, loyal readers of orangperak.com, the name Dato Sagor is actually a title bestowed by the Sultan upon specific individuals. The title of Dato Sagor was initially awarded to Tun Mahmud, who was the first Bendahara of Perak in 1530. At that time, he was an administrator in Selangor during the reign of Sultan Mahmud of Malacca and Kampar. Thus, we can indirectly conclude that the title of Dato Sagor has been in use since the Malacca Sultanate era, and this tradition of titles was continued in Perak. The name Dato Sagor is also said to be seventh in the list of the 'Orang Besar Delapan' (Eight Great Chiefs) of Perak. The Orang Besar Delapan of Perak have their own specific titles and functions, consisting of men other than the Orang Kaya-Kaya Imam Paduka Tuan and Orang Kaya-Kaya Mahakurnia, subject to the conditions stipulated by law. The pronunciation of the name Dato Sagor is believed to be a result of the Perak dialect and accent applied to the title Orang Kaya-Kaya Seri Agar Diraja. To simplify the pronunciation of 'Seri Agar Diraja', it was shortened to just Dato Sagor. For example, the Perak accent pronounces 'air' (water) as 'ayor' and 'agar' as 'agor'. Perhaps that is where the name 'Sagor' originated, as a combination of the words 'seri' and 'agor'. This is merely a theory and not a proven fact.

As for the Dato Sagor known in the state of Perak, whose real name was Ngah Kamdin, his greatness in resisting the colonialists is undeniable. The peak of the unrest was the death of the first British Resident sent to Perak, J.W.W. Birch. In response to that event, the British launched a campaign to capture the Malay warriors involved in the incident. Among those arrested were Dato Sagor, Datuk Maharaja Lela, and several other individuals involved. It is said that on January 20, 1877, Dato Sagor, Datuk Maharaja Lela, and several others were sentenced to be hanged by the British colonialists in Larut, Perak. According to rough estimates, Dato Sagor was 28 years old when he was executed. Dato Sagor's grave still exists today in the Larut area, Perak. Truly, the death of Dato Sagor and other Malay warriors in 1877 was a great sacrifice for the nation in recognition of their service in defending the homeland from the British colonialists. Although defeated, his spirit and sacrifice have become an inspiration for the struggles of the Malay people thereafter. There are also rumors that Dato Sagor did not actually die by hanging but escaped and lived in Pahang. However, whatever was told, there must have been a good reason at the time to save himself and his family.